Featherstone: Samoan international Taulapapa signs for Rovers

Peter Smith

Featherstone Rovers have signed Samoan international Misi Taulapapa from Kingstone Press Championship rivals Sheffield Eagles on a one-year contract, subject to visa clearance.

The 33-year-old made 38 appearances in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks before moving to Sheffield in 2010, where he scored 69 tries in 168 games.

Taulapapa said: “I’m joining a really ambitious club and I can’t wait for the season to start. I was amazed when I first visited the club to meet Jon [coach Jon Sharp] and saw the facilities at our disposal. To be honest, I was blown away that everything is in one place and we have a base we can call home.

“It is definitely the best I’ve seen in rugby league and this will stand us in good stead as we prepare for 2016.

“It’s a big advantage for us and I think we will be a force to be reckoned with next year in the Kingstone Press Championship.”

He predicted: “Jon is a building a good squad and the boys seem enthusiastic and willing to listen and learn which is very important.

“First of all my ambitions are to train as hard as I can and get to know my new teammates. I’ve set some personal goals too and as long as we all work hard and have the right ethos than we can have a successful 2016.”

Sharp said: “Misi is a really important signing for us and I’m delighted he has opted to join Featherstone.

“He has explosive power and is a very tough player. He’s vastly experienced in the Championship and has considerable leadership qualities.”

Sharp added: “He is a very fit bloke and I know he is really impressed with the facilities we have at the Big Fellas Stadium.

“He is a durable player and will bring a lot of quality to our side. Like all our signings in the close season, he has great enthusiasm and works very hard for himself and his team. I’m sure he will become a fans’ favourite once he pulls on a Rovers shirt.”